Speaking from a third generation of Christian in the family, I have witnessed several Church Splits (and Church Merging) already. Can you imagine coping up from a young mind's perspective? Suddenly, you don't see a family you used to see once or twice a week. The Aunty you used to like because of her superb Italian and Japanese cooking suddenly disappears and much worst, said several bad things about you and your family simply because of church politics.
I specially love how Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 to the church in Corinth,
"We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."
The views of the people have their own credits but then the result in every commotion determines if they pleased God or merely themselves. We can say they don't want discipline, they want to be treated right, they want to shine more or be better than any other in the organization and so they bid their goodbyes. People can say whatever they want to say and even to the point of lying just to avoid being in the wrong. Just like Paul said, who cares as long as they do not put a stumbling block in anyone's path. However, if a person caused disunity, then it's a sin. Not that I judge them, only maybe when I see them face to face, they might probably feel I am no longer fascinated with them. Since we all have different paths to take, my perception is to remain in God's calling and mission. Whether they are still walking in the light of God's guidance or not, it won't be my business. After all, after a ministry split, we can determine who are faithful to the call and are not. The most important is and no matter how other people sees our ministry, like Paul, we commend ourselves in every way.
Unity Takes Effort
In Hebrews 12:14, it says to "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
In my opinion, I can easily determine which side is less likely sinful - the one who gives effort to live in peace. It cringes me when a leader keeps bashing hurtful words. I make a background check like his family, his work, his friends, life style, etc. Not that I am planning a plot to put him or her on a spot, I only move away from them and forgive.
Paul added the following verses to the Corinth church, "We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also."
So to those who left and was left behind, please and I beg you, stop the drama. Open wide your hearts. Amen.
